To help celebrate National History Month this August, Central Coast Council’s Library Service are inviting the community to become super sleuths of family history.

Council Unit Manager Libraries, Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said there were events for all levels and interests to help uncover hidden family gems.

“Family history is like detective work – it requires hard work, patience and often has surprising discoveries along the way,” Mrs Burgess said.

“Our events will help you become a regular Sherlock Holmes when it comes to Family history research helping you navigate the many records and collections available.

“These popular events book out so don’t delay – make sure you secure your seat online today.”

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents for all events and bookings.

“Family history is one of the most popular hobbies around the world, with more than 250,000 Australians members of family history related organisations,” Mrs Burgess added.

“To support this lifelong learning opportunity, we provide a wide variety of different resources at Gosford and Tuggerah Libraries, our local history hubs.

“These include NSW State Archives Kits, index books, microfilms, electoral rolls, immigration documents, magazines and much more.

“These locations also offer free online access to the family history database Ancestry.com and all our branches provide access to ‘Find My Past’ – these platforms are very popular I would encourage community members to book ahead.”

Mayor Jane Smith said the strong interest in family history was also tied to the history of the Coast itself with Council’s libraries offering all the resources needed to understand more about how the region and community have developed over time. 

“Council’s online Library resources, Central Coast Memories and Gostalgia, contain an incredible array of photos, postcards, documents and memorabilia, showcasing our incredible region,” Mayor Smith said.

“These fabulous resources help provide insight of how families helped develop this fantastic place we call home.

“This is one of the ways our libraries are creating a stronger sense of community identity and what it means to live on the Coast.

“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to rediscover your local library and the great range of services they have on offer.” 

Any history queries can be directed to Council’s passionate library staff via history@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Throughout August Council’s Library Service will be hosting the following events:

• Family History Online at Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 13 August, 10.30am-12pm or at Bateau Bay Library, Thursday 22 August, 1.30-3pm
• Trove for Family History at Toukley Library, Friday 16 August, 10.30am-12pm or Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 20 August, 10.30am-12pm
• Land Records in Family History Research at Tuggerah Library, Wednesday 21 August, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Discover Rookwood Cemetery at Tuggerah Library, Friday 23 August, 10.30am-12pm or Umina Library, Friday 30 August, 2-3.30pm
• Organising and Preserving your Family History at Tuggerah Library, Tuesday 27 August, 10.30am-12pm
• Trove for Family History Research at Gosford Library, Wednesday 28 August, 10.30am-12pm
• Finding your Military Ancestors at Bateau Bay Library, Thursday 29 August, 1.30-3pm